Timber Framed Windows And Doors

A home really is a retreat. It offers us protection from the outside world, and it is something that most of us are proud of, even if we aren’t considered especially house proud. Features like the windows and doors shouldn’t be overlooked when you are designing or redesigning a property. Not only do these serve very important functions, but they are also visible from the interior and exterior of the property, and windows are found right around the house.

This prominence and importance means that they are a vital component of your home’s design and if you choose windows that do not fit with the style of home that you have, or you choose the cheapest option without considering the long term ramifications, you could find yourself extremely disappointed with the final results. Fortunately, there are many options available to the property owner, and this means that you can create the look and feel that you want both inside and outside the property.

Thankfully, the trend for ripping out beautiful wooden frames and replacing them with sterile and lifeless uPVC has passed, in most cases. Homeowners are beginning to realise the aesthetic benefit of wood, while also realising that wooden frames are not as energy inefficient or as high maintenance as PVC manufacturers made out in the latter half of the 20th Century. In fact, the maintenance requirements of timber frames could even be looked on as a benefit, because it is this that means that timber framed doors and windows can be repaired, and it is also for this reason that timber framed windows can be painted so that they regain the same great looks that they had when they were first installed.

In contrast, plastic frames cannot usually be repaired without having to replace the whole frame, even if there is only minimal damage. Another problem with plastic frames is that they can become discoloured by the sun and by the rain. You won’t be able to paint over the plastic in order to reinvigorate the look of your windows, whereas with wood you should paint every year or two in order to offer further protection for the wood frame and also to have the frame looking as good as new again.

If you are fortunate enough to live in a period property that has existing timber frames, then you may not have to have them replaced, because of the fact that they can often be repaired. Speak to a professional timber frame installation company or window engineer and they will be able to advise you regarding whether or not your windows need fully replacing, or whether you could get away with having a few repairs made and an additional paint of coat applied.

If you do need to replace your timber windows, or you want to take out plastic windows and replace them with beautiful and natural looking timber frames, then you are likely to choose hardwood frames, and you can even opt for traditional window designs like sliding sash windows.

The Original Box Sash Window Company is a specialist window installation and window engineering firm, dealing with the repairs or replacement of timber framed sash windows. Get a traditional look and long lasting results from your next windows.

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Arborists Clean up after Spring Storms

As the weather warms and plants begin blooming again, Edmonton tree removal and maintenance technicians are always busy. Late winter and early spring are the best times for maintenance to occur ahead of the summer growing season. The most common types of maintenance are: tree pruning, removal, and stump grinding. Each of these services offers a solution to a different problem, but all of these services can enhance landscaping and add value to a home.

Pruning is essential to keep elms, spruces, and pines healthy and growing in the proper way. By shaping their growth pattern, homeowners can keep branches from damaging houses and vehicles. Other benefits of trimming include fostering growth of new shoots and removing damaged and ugly branches. When pruning laurel-leaf willows, Gardening Know How recommends trimming while the plant is still dormant. The site also recommends trimming so that branches do not touch the ground and cause walking hazards. Pruning will give the landscape a more handsome appearance and thus raise the curb appeal and value of a home. The Arbor Day Foundation explains in detail the process of correct maintenance. This is not work for amateurs; it can be dangerous to attempt on your own both for you and for your oak, larch, or ash.

Spring storms bring high winds and heavy damage to Edmonton’s urban forest. Nothing detracts from the look of a home more than a dead or rotting elm. These eyesores put off potential buyers and also lower property appraisals.Weak trunks can also be dangerous if left neglected for too long, and storms may cause them to fall.It takes time to cut down and removedead elms, and it’s a job that should be left to Edmonton tree removal technicians. Calling the top tree removal company in Edmonton can spare your home and property thousands of dollars of damage and bring peace of mind during spring storms.At your request, they can leave you with the leftover firewood or simply dispose of it all.

Many homeowners have the foresight to remove unsightly or dead oaks and elms, but do not follow through by grinding up the stump. Owners often leave them in the ground, taking up valuable space and providing a further eyesore. Local arborists Chipps Tree Care specialize in removal and stump grinding. Stumps can become a breeding ground for pests, molds, and fungi. Stump grinding is a labour-intensive job that should be left to professionals. If done incorrectly the lawn and surrounding ground could be damaged and molds and fungi from the stump could spread. Chipps Tree Care donates the wood chips created by grinding to nurseries. It’s one of the more environmentally responsible ways to dispose of wood chips. Maintenance is an important part of home landscaping, but one that should be left up to professionals. Contact local arborists this spring to evaluate the landscaping on your property and find the solution that’s right for you.

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How to Keep Your Bedroom Tidy And Organized

From the moment you start cleaning up your home, you are simplifying your life. Tidying up the mess and clutter will not only alleviate stress, it will also help you gain focus and organise thoughts. And the best place to scrub away the nervous tension? Your bedroom! The following is a quick checklist on how to make a perfect bedroom sanctuary.

Start off by decluttering your bedroom storage space. Get rid of everything you no longer need. Like Marie Kondo, an organising and cleaning guru says, Keep only the clothes and things that spark joy.

More importantly, place your most used pieces in plain sight and at eye level. Conversely, use storage bags and boxes for out-of-season items and store them under your bed or in higher shelves.

To further minimise bedroom clutter, invest in drawers and drawer dividers. Make the most of them by categorising your clothes. For example, use one drawer for folded items such as shorts or undergarments, and another for socks or ties. Repurpose your old jewellery boxes, trays and other containers suitable to hold smaller objects and various knick knacks.

In order to make your bed extra fresh and comfortable for a good night's sleep, you'll also want to keep your mattress cleaned and deodorized. The best way of removing dirt, dead skin cells, dust and dust mites is by making sure to vacuum it at least once a season. Before the vacuuming, feel free to sprinkle some baking soda onto the mattress and let it sit for an hour or so. Not only will it freshen up the musty smelling mattress, it will also fight spills and stains.

If you want your bedroom to stay allergy and dust free, wash the curtains and clean the floor, doors and window sills on a regular basis. It would also be wise to remove any upholstered pieces of furniture and the carpet. However, if you are unable to do so for whatever reason, why not get a helping hand from a professional cleaning service? Since mold and dust mites like warm and damp places, don't forget to air out the room as often as you can.

Once you have everything cleaned and organised, indulge yourself with one of life's little luxuries – the linen spray! Making one of your own is easier than you'd think – just mix 1.5 cup distilled water with 1/3 cup vodka, add 20-30 drops of your favourite essential oil and place the mixture in a clean spray bottle. Gently mist your sheets in the evening, right before you go to bed.

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of making your bed every single morning. Once you understand that Tidying is just a tool, not the final destination, a neat bed and organised space will motivate you to become a better, stronger and happier person. Feeling in control over your environment will ultimately transform your whole life. And the space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.

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How to Choose the Right Type of Garage Door

Whenever it's time to decorate your house, the interior always gets priority even though the outside is what most people see first. And even when the exterior does get priority, the garage is almost always forgotten.

The garage door is the easiest part of the garage that can be modified to suit your personality. If you’ve been wondering how to choose the right garage door style, read on.

1. Pick the right material according to your climate

Your garage door isn’t only a utilitarian, functional thing; it has to work properly with your climate. Depending on the climate in your area, you could decide to get fiberglass, wood or metal. Fiberglass and metal tend to last longer, but wood will always make your garage look amazing aesthetically. If you live in a particularly humid or salty place, find out which materials are best suited for it.

2. Wood isn’t always better

The aesthetic appeal that wood has can be matched by no other material. Unfortunately, you can't always go with wood – your choice of material will also depend on the existing style of your house. If you have a modern, minimalistic house with lots of steel, wood probably isn't going to match with it. Wooden doors are also more expensive and less durable than metal ones.

3. There are different levels to metal doors

If you’ve decided to use aluminum or steel doors, remember that there are different levels of construction. If your region is prone to hurricanes or typhoons, steel is a great choice. Steel is also great for preventing burglaries. Steel also looks great with older homes due to its longevity and ability to be painted in any color. If you want a light and fairly durable door, aluminum is your best option.

4. Fiberglass is great for areas with extreme temperature variation

If temperatures in your area swing wildly from extreme to extreme, you should go with fiberglass. Fiberglass is a great insulator and is also very durable. It will help keep your cooling and heating bills down.

5. Match the style with your home's style

Nowadays, garage doors are no longer chunks of material meant to keep your cars from rolling out of your garage; they're now another way for you to express your personality. Since you can get any type of door custom-made for you, you can ensure that the doors match with your walls to the smallest detail.

6. Think about your safety

Your garage door is an entryway into your home and by extension your private life. It shouldn’t be extremely difficult to access your own house, but you also need to think about safety. If the area you stay in has a high crime rate, you need to choose your doors accordingly.

7. Think about maintenance costs

You may think that getting new garage doors is as simple as selecting and installing new doors. However, before you select your doors, you need to think about the cost of maintenance and repair. You'll need to hire a professional to service your door after every six months or so. You may decide not to get a garage door opener and install a manually-opening door. It's all up to you.

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9 Reasons Why You Should (Finally) Leave Home

Just a decade ago, kids used to be kicked out of the house in their teens and left to fend for themselves. Today, kids even stay with their parents past their twenties. Don't be one of those guys. Put yourself out there and get yourself a nice home. You'll be very glad you did.

1. Privacy

As an adult, you've probably got dozens of things you'd prefer to be kept private. Unfortunately, if you're still living with your parents, there's always a chance that they'll walk into your room and find something you'd rather they didn't. Isn't that weird?

2. Cleaning your undies

If your mom is still washing your underclothes, shame on you! You're an adult and you should, at least, be washing your own undies.

3. They don't want you to stay

Your parents also have lives and you staying with them means that they can't live the way that they want to. They still love you a lot; you just need to realize that they need their lives back. They also need their own privacy! They also need some peace and quiet! They also need their favorite couch back! Stop denying them these simple pleasures.

4. You can't bring anyone home

Your parents are dying to meet the girl or boy you've been talking about for the past few weeks. They'll show off all your embarrassing childhood photos. They're more than ready to narrate those embarrassing stories that you thought were behind you.

5. Eat what you want

You don't have to survive on what mom has cooked. Get a house and you'll be able to cook whenever you want and eat whatever you want. It's one of the greatest perks of having your own kitchen; you can eat at your own pleasure.

6. No rules

You can throw your clothes on the sofa in your own house. You can put your shoes in the kitchen. You could even store some shovels in your bathroom! Whether you do it or not is irrelevant what matters is that you have the choice.

7. Party!

A party at your parents' house? What if someone breaks a vase? What if someone dirties the floor? What if you had your own house? Then you wouldn't have to worry about what mom and dad would say about the beer stains on the sofa.

8. "What time will you be back?"

Aren't you cute? You're mommy's little baby and you'll remain that as long as you're living in your parents' home. Every time you go out, be prepared to tell them when you'll be back, where you're going, and what you're going to do. So forget any spontaneous plans; you've got to be home!

9. Independence

You don't have to buy a motorbike or climb mountain trails to be independent. Being independent means being able to function as a normal human being by yourself. It means feeding yourself, paying bills on time, cleaning clothes, and maybe being responsible for someone else. Independence is owning your own life. It's making your own choices and taking responsibility for those actions.

Hopefully, the reasons above will be enough to give you an epiphany and get you to move out of Mum and Dad's house.

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